Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gumline allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

Great teeth and gum care starts at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine, you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. To prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you proper flossing and oral hygiene protocols for home care to prevent periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a quiet disease that begins with few or no symptoms. It’s caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enter the gums. The immediate condition is known as “gingivitis.” The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms appear, including:

• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Gum sensitivity to acidic foods
• Abscesses
• Tooth pain
• Tooth loss

How do you treat periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

What is the difference between a white and silver filling?

Silver fillings, known as amalgams, have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, they were the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for very little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled, keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

White fillings, also known as composites, are often made of special polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

How can I improve my smile?

There are several ways to enhance your smile:

• Teeth whitening
• Cosmetic bonding
• Porcelain veneers
• Porcelain crowns

We can improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For a consultation, please contact our office so that we can provide you with a customized treatment plan.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a safe, cost-effective procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Teeth whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and thorough cleaning.

The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it can stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

What is bonding?

Bonding is a cost-effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding, like teeth whitening, may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Often, patients ask for porcelain veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

What are crowns?

Crowns are permanent cosmetic appliances that cover entire teeth. They can change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as two visits.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a “manmade” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jawbone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

• They look and function like your natural tooth.
• They are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
• They are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
• They decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement and further tooth loss.
• They replace the need for a removable full or partial dentures.
• They focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are candidates for implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease and severe osteoporosis.

What does the dental implant procedure involve?

The average dental implant procedure takes three to four visits. The first visit is to X-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant. The next visit is to place the implant. Local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jawbone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain. You will then return in approximately three months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.

How much does a dental implant cost?

Fees vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an implant consultation first to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

How long does a dental implant last?

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, a dental implant can last from 30 years to a lifetime.

Does you offer financing for services provided?

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

Discover Fort Mill’s most trusted and personalized family dental care center. Dominguez & Rucker Family Dentistry, of Fort Mill, SC, is known for its comprehensive general and cosmetic dental care and patient convenience. Call us at 803.547.1888 or use our easy online Request an Appointment form to schedule your consultation. Se habla español!